Australian selector Mark Waugh believes Nathan Lyon should play in the first Test in Brisbane despite most former Australian players recommending a pace quartet to bounce India out in the opening match at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 4
Mark Waugh and Nathan Lyon
Sydney: Australian selector Mark Waugh believes Nathan Lyon should play in the first Test in Brisbane despite most former Australian players recommending a pace quartet to bounce India out in the opening match at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 4.
Mark Waugh and Nathan Lyon
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In fact, Waugh was felt the Indian batsmen don't show respect for spin bowlers and that will work in Lyon's favour.
Speaking on Fox Sports' show Inside cricket, Waugh said, "Indians play spin very well, but I tell you they get over confident against spinners, especially against the ones they don't really rate and I've seen them get out to spinners."
Explaining his theory to former Australian captain, Allan Border, Waugh made a reference to England part-time spinner, Moeen Ali.
"In England recently, the Indian batsmen lost wickets to a spinner they clearly didn't rate and I've seen it happen in the past," said Waugh. Mooen Ali took 19 wickets at 23.00 and in the process was the second highest wicket-taker in the series.
Lyon had a horrible tour of the UAE where he only managed three wickets at average of 140.66 but Waugh felt the conditions at the Gabba will suit his bowling.
"In India the wickets turn, but Brisbane offers good bounce so it will suit Lyon. He has a good record up there (15 wickets at 21.86)
While Waugh continued to support Lyon, legendary pace bowler Glenn McGrath had a different view, suggesting Australia need to play to its strength and include four fast bowlers.
"I wouldn't be playing a spinner. Play four quicks! On that surface we can roll India over. I don't think Lyon is bowling too well at the moment. If he was bowling okay, it then it was different. I think he is struggling… four quicks at the Gabba," said McGrath.
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